Peace Bus Press Release June 8th A Citizen's Inspection Team will be demanding entry to the premises of Serco Sodexo, from noon Thursday 9 June 2011 at Building 23, Western Street Barracks, Rockhampton. Serco and Sodexo are global corporations which in return for tax payer dollars provides management services for army barracks, refugee detention centres, prisons and the like.
Serco Sodexo Defence Services holds the service contract for the Talisman Sabre war games and it is the newest member of Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development Ltd.
"Bullies, pirates and war profiteers masquerading as good corporate citizens," says Graeme Dunstan. Peace Convergence Convener.
"In regard to refugees, Serco stands accused of brutality and neglect of the human rights of detainees. The riots on Christmas Island, and the suicide of a 20 year old detainee at Scherger Air Base have been blamed on the brutality of Serco guards," said Mr Dunstan.
“In 2006 Serco Sodexo became notorious in Canberra for coercing workers to sign workplace contracts that dramatically reduced award conditions."
"Contrary to what Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development Ltd CEO, Mary Carroll, would have local citizens believe, corporations like Serco Sodexo are not good for business in this town or any other town. Furthermore they are a morally corrupt and their presence is an offense to every decent citizen."
Part of the neoliberal wave of privatisations which have increased service costs to tax payers and at the same time reduced the quality of the services, when Serco wins government contracts it displaces Australian companies and sends its profits off shore.
"The bitter truth is that to make profits Serco Sodexo subcontracts, pays bottom and gouges local workers and suppliers."
Photo Opportunity
Peacebus.com will be supporting the Citizen Inspection Team and unveiling its newly completed Peace Convergence mural: "War brings neither peace nor climate justice. Cut military spending!"
Further information
Graeme Dunstan, Peacebus.com 0407 951 688
Bryan Law, Citizens Inspection Team, 0403 0495 66